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The latest reports reiterate that Pippo Inzaghi is in pole position to replace Clarence Seedorf at Milan, but suggest Roberto Donadoni remains in contention.

Seedorf is increasingly expected to be removed from his position on the Rossonero bench after the final game of the season after an indifferent start to his tenure from January and a believed poor relationship with club directors.

The Gazzetta dello Sport today are running the line that Primavera boss Inzaghi is the outright favourite within San Siro to replace his former teammate at the helm, with Silvio Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani described as both estimating the 40-year-old very highly.

However, it is believed that the Diavolo are also keeping their options open and are monitoring Roberto Donadoni’s continued work at Parma.

Whilst he is seen as not as popular a choice from within Milan, but the club are understood to face little opposition from Parma, should they decide to make a move.

Meanwhile, the Gazzetta dello Sport also report that recent links to Luciano Spalletti and Roberto Mancini are increasingly unlikely avenues to be explored.

The Dutchman has been increasingly reported as on his way out of Milanello in the summer, but his interview held at home with Sky, apparently without the club’s knowledge reportedly had President Berlusconi ready to remove him sooner.

However, the Gazzetta dello Sport report today that Vice-President Adriano Galliani has convinced Berlusconi to hold off removing the 38-year-old from the bench until at least the season’s conclusion.

Whilst with the aim of keeping the group together in view of the objective of Europa League qualification, this decision is seen as juxtaposed against the club’s apparent continued plans for life after Seedorf come the summer.

However, further reports also indicate that the Rossoneri will face a legal battle with Seedorf over the remaining two years of his contract.

Whilst the retired midfielder is seen as determined to negotiate a severance package, so as to move back into maganement elsewhere as soon as possible, he is also seen as angling for as much of the remaining €10m in pre-tax salaries his contract to June 2016 is for.

The club, meanwhile, are believed eager to negotiate down that amount as much as possible.

Prospective Milan Coach Pippo Inzaghi has reflected on the ‘great rapport’ he has with Silvio Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani.

The retired striker’s early work on the bench with the Rossoneri’s Primavera side has led to an offer turned down from Sassuolo in January and continued speculation that he is now in line to replace Clarence Seedorf in the summer with the senior side.

For the 40-year-old, his relationship with the club’s President, Vice-President and director Barbara Berlusconi has been key to his recent career turns.

“I remember when I was at Juventus, every time we came to play the Trofeo Berlusconi, they told me ‘you have to come to us’,” Inzaghi has commented this week to the Gazzetta dello Sport.

“There is a great rapport. If I had not been offered to train the Primavera by Galliani then I would have continued to play, I have a special relationship with him, with the President and with Barbara.

“I thanked Sassuolo for the offer that they made me in January, but I declined, it was just that Galliani and Berlusconi were telling me no and I adjusted to their will.

“If I had been given freedom of choice, I probably would have decided otherwise.”

Ricky Kaka has reflected on Milan’s current and future objectives, working with Clarence Seedorf and on his intentions beyond the summer.

The Rossoneri’s difficult season has them approaching the final three rounds in search of Europa League qualification.

“You have to understand the moment, now we are playing for the Europa League, which is not the most logical objective for Milan and not for me either,” Kaka has commented this week to Tiki Taka.

“I like the club, I am used to other things, but the situation is this and we must live it, plus, we have this special derby to play.

“Do we want Europa League football? I point you to one example - Roma are having a great season and they have not been in the Cups.

“But the only idea at Milan has been to always be a competitive team, where everyone has the desire to compete internationally.

“This year it will not be the Champions League, and it is certain that our goals should be higher, but for this season this is okay.”

Clarence Seedorf has struggled since his return to the club in capacity as Coach and is expected to leave in the summer.

“He is definitely starting on a different career, but I do not see him as a different person, you must understand that many things that a player sees in one way, a Coach will see in another.

“He is very good and very smart, he will learn everything quickly. I am really happy working with him, he can achieve great things.”

Kaka was asked about the atmosphere in the dressing room.

“The dressing room is nice, united, compact, there is no problem. If a player agrees or disagrees with another it does not mean that there are cracks.

“It is normal that there can be little groups, such as the Italians with the other Italians. For example, I find myself on good terms with Robinho, but it does not mean anything.

“Mario Balotelli? For me he is great, he just needs to win a little more and transform into a protagonist.

“He has a great talent and can become a champion. I am delighted to have him as a teammate because he can determine a game at any moment.

“He can lose his temper for a few seconds but if he puts his head in place as he has been doing, he can become great.”

Kaka was asked about the future both for his club and himself.

“Roma and Juventus have been very good [this season], we need to recover a project on track in the League and towards the Champions League for 2016.

“I personally have done well but it hasn’t been enough in the general context. I can improve for next year and my intention is to stay.

“I do not even want to remain anxious and wait too long, the fans can rest easy because there are no games or anything, it will be a personal choice and that of my family, but the biggest desire is to stay.”

President of the Montenegro FA Dejan Savicevic stirred up controversy, claiming Juventus were “pushed forward by referees” this season.

The former Milan star spoke to Radio Sportiva and made some sweeping accusations.

“Juventus have been the stronger team in recent years, but this season they were pushed forward by referees. You could already tell in the opening 10 rounds how it was going to end,” said Savicevic.

“I agree with Rudi Garcia when he says the referees helped Juve. They would’ve won anyway, but the ‘help’ was still there.

“However, I don’t agree with his claims that opposition teams give up against Juventus.”

Savicevic was also asked about the chaotic situation at his former club Milan, with Clarence Seedorf in the balance after replacing Massimiliano Allegri in January.

“Milan are struggling and it’s only natural after a change of management, though in my view Seedorf is doing well. He had many injuries to deal with and doesn’t have the same great players I had in my day.

“I think Milan were wrong not to sack Allegri last June. For next season they have to understand the club’s real objectives and based on those decide what to do.

“I like Adel Taarabt and Adil Rami, so I hope they stay.”

Serie A’s most famous Montenegro international is Mirko Vucinic, who was on the verge of a move from Juventus to Inter in January before it collapsed at the last minute.

“Vucinic made a mistake in not leaving Turin. In his place I would’ve gone.”

Milan want Carlos Bacca to replace Mario Balotelli, it has been reported in the Spanish Press.

The current Rossoneri striker has been heavily linked with a move away from San Siro this summer, with pundit Giancarlo Marocchi claiming at the weekend that the club had ‘given up’ on the Italy international.

As such, Fichajes.net believe that Clarence Seedorf’s team are already looking for potential signings – and have targeted the Sevilla forward.

Bacca has been in sensational form in his first season in Spanish football, guiding the Rojiblancos to fifth in the table, scoring 14 goals in the process.

But the Diavolo will face stiff competition from the likes of Everton, who are also thought to be keen on his services.

The daughter of President Silvio Berlusconi has this season become joint-CEO with Adriano Galliani.

Although she is nominally in charge of marketing, sponsorship deals and the project for a new stadium, she has often spoken to the media about football matters.

News agency ANSA asked Barbara whether Seedorf would still be the Coach next season and her response was telling.

“No comment. These decisions aren’t up to me.”

It was anything but a ringing endorsement and fuelled reports Silvio Berlusconi has lost faith in the idea of Seedorf as tactician, just three months after calling him in to replace Massimiliano Allegri.

“It is never pleasing to lose, but I must sportingly recognise Roma were superior last night. I compliment the Giallorossi club for having built such a strong team.”

Ex-Rossoneri star Boban was one of the Sky Sport Italia pundits who Balotelli insulted in last night’s live TV interview.

“The fact is 99.9 per cent of people have the same opinion of Balotelli as Giancarlo Marocchi, Christian Panucci and me,” Boban told Radio Deejay.

“It’s a shame, he is a good guy, but he lacks self-criticism. He will go along his path as always. We are paid to talk, but he doesn’t seem to understand these situations.

“His performance against Roma was shameful. He just walked around the pitch annoying all his teammates.”

Milan have been criticised for sending Balotelli to the media zone after his irritable reaction to a substitution, but Boban sees it as a sign of some deeper problem.

“It was a decision by Milan to move the spotlight off Clarence Seedorf and his comments. There is no logic in the way this club is run, there is too much confusion and they need the return of President Berlusconi.”

Last night Boban spoke to Seedorf in another interview and the Coach appeared to agree the club isn’t as solid as in their playing days.

“I can’t speak for the club, so these are questions for Mr Galliani to explain. I know my contractual position,” said Seedorf when asked if he felt abandoned by the club.

“We are accustomed to Milan making the difference as a club in these matters, but we all know at this time Milan are going through a tough time and it’s a transitional period.

“I was called to help Milan and I will continue as long as I am needed.”

Giancarlo Marocchi, the pundit who Mario Balotelli insulted on live television, said Milan have “given up” on him.

The striker went on Sky Sport Italia after last night’s 2-0 defeat to Roma and hit back at criticism from the studio, claiming pundit Marocchi “understands nothing about football” for saying he doesn’t move off the ball enough.

Today Marocchi spoke to Radio Deejay about the incident and how it could affect SuperMario’s career.

“We often try to talk about football, watch and comment on the games. But when a performance is bad, it’s bad, so the questions have to be asked.

“Balotelli is a big problem for Milan and will be for the Nazionale too. I would’ve liked him to reply by telling me he does move off the ball, but instead he chose an insult. Those close to him ought to show Balotelli how other forwards really move. He should have the humility to do that.

“He thinks that with four goals he has suddenly resolved all his problems. I am above all sorry for his teammates. Balotelli played badly, that’s the issue here. He has to understand he’s got to do more for his teammates.”

Former midfielder Marocchi won the 1996 Champions League with Juventus, a Scudetto, Italian Super Cup, two UEFA Cups and two Coppa Italia trophies.

“I think about the Milan midfield, who worked to recover the ball from Daniele De Rossi and Radja Nainggolan, then passed to Balotelli and he lost it straight away, either with a bad first touch or because he slipped. I’d go to a madhouse!”

It has also been suggested the club are to blame for sending Balotelli to speak with the media when he was clearly irritable, having been substituted and bickered with Coach Clarence Seedorf during the game.

“Milan have given up on trying to deal with Balotelli. Like this the only one benefiting from the situation is Balotelli’s bank account,” concluded Marocchi.

Clarence Seedorf defended Mario Balotelli after defeat to Roma and again refused to confirm his Milan future.

“We certainly have to compliment a great side like Roma for their season and we saw their strength again tonight. In any case, my team was more courageous in the second half and it’s a shame we were unable to equalise,” he told Sky Sport Italia following the 2-0 result.

Miralem Pjanic broke the deadlock with a contender for goal of the season, slaloming past three players and Christian Abbiati.

“When you see a goal like that, especially the nutmeg on Rami, you can only stand and applaud.”

Balotelli’s performance was very poor without a single shot and he seemed irritable, insulting teammate Adel Taarabt and then saying something to Seedorf as he was substituted.

“I made those choices. Ricky Kaka was doing fairly well and could break away down the left. Keisuke Honda was out for two weeks and gave everything he had, so we knew he’d have to be substituted.

“We just said everything was ok. No problem. Mario was one of three substitutions I made, so I don’t see why we should analyse every single one. I wanted to give room to Giampaolo Pazzini and he did very well, almost scoring a goal.

“Balotelli was unable to express himself to the full tonight, but that can happen after several weeks of impressive performances.

“I have been in locker rooms for many years and these things happen. Balotelli and Taarabt talked, there are no problems between them. It’s best to avoid these things, though in the heat of the game they can happen and all players know what it’s like out there.”

The Coach was asked about the tactical battle between his 4-2-3-1 system and Rudi Garcia’s 4-3-3.

“We had Kaka on Daniele De Rossi and our two central midfielders against them, so the midfield evened out.

“The way Roma play, with few reference points and Francesco Totti and Adem Ljajic coming back, creates problems for everyone. I thought we did pretty well to contain them in the second half, as we pushed up more and took the ball off them earlier. We were too deep before the break.”

Sky Sport Italia pundit Zvonimir Boban asked his former teammate Seedorf if he felt abandoned by Milan’s refusal to publicly back him.

“I can’t speak for the club, so these are questions for Mr Galliani to explain. I know my contractual position.

“We are accustomed to Milan making the difference as a club in these matters, but we all know at this time Milan are going through a tough time and it’s a transitional period.

“I was called to help Milan and I will continue as long as I am needed.”

Miralem Pjanic’s contender for goal of the season and a Gervinho tap-in saw Roma crush Milan 2-0 for their ninth straight victory.

The Giallorossi needed a win to keep the Scudetto race alive, but Mehdi Benatia, Kevin Strootman, Federico Balzaretti and the suspended Mattia Destro missed out. The Rossoneri had won five on the bounce and welcomed back Keisuke Honda from injury, but Michael Essien replaced the banned Nigel De Jong.

Milan’s last win in this fixture was a 3-2 thriller in October 2011. Ricky Kaka pounced on a poor Dodo pass to go on the counter, but his shot was charged down in the box by Daniele De Rossi.

Daniele Bonera’s very long-range strike did not surprise Morgan De Sanctis, then Adem Ljajic’s effort was deflected and from the resulting corner there were timid appeals for an Adil Rami handling offence before Dodo blasted a half-volley over the bar.

Ljajic went on a slalom through the Milan defence until his finish was eventually deflected out for a corner by Rami’s decisive sliding tackle.

Balotelli couldn’t get his shot away after running on to a misplaced pass, while De Rossi blasted over from a short corner. The hosts were increasingly in control and dominated possession in the first half.

The breakthrough eventually arrived with a magnificent solo effort from Pjanic. The Bosnian midfielder gathered in the final third to dribble past three players and then stroke the finish past Christian Abbiati with the inside of his right foot into the near bottom corner. It was a fantastic goal from 24-year-old Pjanic, who nutmegged one of the defenders along the way.

After the restart Kaka pulled back for Riccardo Montolivo to drill just wide from the edge of the box, then Adel Taarabt’s attempt was charged down.

Totti rolled a free kick across to Pjanic, whose strike was heading under the bar before a flying Abbiati save. The Bosnian international also saw a powerful effort accidentally hit teammate Ljajic.

Roma appeared to be in total control and made that possession count with a well-worked goal. A series of passes eventually came to Francesco Totti, whose shot was beaten away by Abbiati into the path of Gervinho to bundle over from a couple of yards. Replays suggest the Ivorian was slightly offside.

Balotelli was disappointing, irritable and petulant, so he was substituted by Giampaolo Pazzini and seemed unhappy with Clarence Seedorf’s decision. Radja Nainggolan received a booking and will be suspended against Catania next week.

Kaka’s free kick was straight into the wall and De Sanctis took the sting out of a swerving Montolivo effort. The Roma goalkeeper also got behind two Taarabt snapshots, as Milan tried to make the scoreline less heavy in the final minutes.

There was concern for Roma in stoppages, as Rafael Toloi badly sprained his ankle from an awful Robinho challenge and had to leave the pitch, as the substitutions had been completed. Robinho was fortunate not to get carded for that tackle.

Clarence Seedorf continues with the 4-2-3-1 system and Tassotti was asked why Balotelli wasn’t used with a centre-forward.

“We chose this tactic and believe Mario can play the centre-forward role well,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“We ask him to be more present in the box and in the game in general, as at times he drifts out of the match. It’s part of his characteristics and will improve with time.”

The Giallorossi are 31 points ahead of Milan in the Serie A table going into this round.

“Roma are having an extraordinary campaign and playing great football. They would’ve been top of the table in almost any other season and it’s especially impressive considering they were coming off some poor results.

“I don’t think there is such a big gap between the squads, but we had a truly terrible start to the season with very few points. We’re getting back on track now, while Roma have been breaking club records.“I think the fact Roma have improved so much has helped Francesco Totti and in turn he is helping Roma.”

Tassotti was also asked whether it was ‘certain’ that Seedorf would not be the Milan Coach next season.

“I wouldn’t know, these are not questions I can answer. Football has always been strange and the journalists spread these rumours. We’ll see, there are four rounds left and the team is having good results with what we consider to be good football.

“I wanted to offer my condolences to Tito Vilanova’s family and to Barcelona for losing him so young.”

The Fininvest group have denied that they are considering ‘any possibility of the transfer of control of Milan’, amid continued rumours involving Peter Lim.

Speculation earlier this month was that the Singapore businessman had tabled an offer of €300m for a 51 per cent share in the Rossoneri, only to see it turned out.

However, amid rumours surrounding the club’s search for investors to pay a similar amount for a 20-30 per cent share in the club, reports have been of a return bid from Lim, of €500m for 51 per cent, with the promise of maintaining Silvio Berlusconi as President and Adriano Galliani as Vice-President.

However, Fininvest, the financial holding company controlled by Berlusconi and that holds Milan’s ownership, has issued another denial on the matter.

“With regards to rumours reported by the Press, Fininvest again denies any possibility of transfer of control of Milan,” a statement released today reads.

Alongside the report from the Gazzetta dello Sport on Lim, has been the suggestion that director Barbara Berlusconi has held talks with China’s second richest man, Zong Quinghou, over the billionaire also reportedly launching an investment offensive.

Sepp Blatter has made clear his position on the continued debate of further help for referees with television replays.

The debate this term has centred in Italy on whether or not match officials need a greater level of assistance from live TV pictures to determine particular in-game decisions.

Whilst a number of the League’s Coaches are in favour, the FIFA President is not.

“I am fiercely conservative and that is why I do not want it,” Blatter has explained this week to Bein Sport.

“Replays during a game would change the flow of play. The greatness of the game is in playing 90 minutes without stoppages and in play you have to live with human errors. The play is human.”

Blatter was also asked about the seven workers in Brazil to have died so far during construction of the stadiums that this summer will host the World Cup.

“The organisation of the work has been poor, those deaths have not been caused by football. It is because this is new infrastructure and they have been overwhelmed by the number of workers.

“We must also ask for liability from the major European companies working there, because they are responsible for their workers.”

The President also considered once more the debate over moving the 2022 World Cup from the summer to the winter, to avoid high temperatures in Qatar.

“The best date would be at the end of the year, you have to be realistic. For me it would have to change, because you cannot play there in the summer, even as Qatar would like that, but in the winter.”

Nigel de Jong has considered that the sacrifices he has had to make to become a professional footballer have all been worth it.

The Milan man has considered what he has had to give up in life in order to take the career path that has led him to San Siro.

“I cannot say that football has taken away nothing. The point is to find a balance to achieve the objective,” De Jong has considered in the latest issue of Forza Milan.

“It is normal that some friendships are lost along the way, mostly because many people are struggling do deal with the way of life you have.

“The other thing that perhaps you give up on is the carelessness of the guys, going out with friends and to the clubs, because obviously the training of professionals requires perseverance and commitment.

“But for me it was absolutely worth it - I make my living doing what I love to do the most, I can buy whatever I want and keep my family happy.

“If you put this on a small scale against the sacrifices, I would say that on paper it is absolutely worth it.”

The midfielder also reflected on life after the game.

“It’s hard to imagine that I will totally abandon football - I love playing, I love to train every day, I love the smell of the grass on the field.

“I do not know how many of us realise what good fortune we have in this profession, which is the secret dream of every boy in life.

“So I believe that no matter what I choose to do, it is not going to be something completed unrelated to football.”

Antonio Nocerino and Pablo Armero will stay at West Ham once their loans end in the summer, but the news isn’t so good for Marco Borriello.

All three have spent the second half of this season with the Premier League outfit, to varying degrees of fortune.

Nocerino and Armero have played 10 and five times, respectively in the top division this term for Sam Allardyce’s men, whilst Borriello has come off the bench just twice.

As such, The Sun report that the Milan and Napoli loanees will be bought outright by the east London team at the end of the campaign, whilst the Roma striker will be allowed to go back to the Italian capital.

“Sadly it was also one of only a few Roma chances, so it’s a shame. If they have the best defensive record and are second in Serie A, there must be a reason.

“Despite this, Fiorentina had three or four good chances to score and we played our game, especially in the first half.

“It was open and exciting before the break, then we started the second half well, but both sides got tired and the tempo was slowed down.

“I find myself having to make choices each game based on the players at my disposal and the characteristics of the opposition. Undoubtedly, the squad is not what it could’ve been due to injuries.

“Cesare Prandelli knows Giuseppe Rossi and it all depends on his condition. I think from next week he will begin full training with the team, including challenges which so far we have avoided.

“Mario Gomez is feeling better, but he’s still not training with the team, so I don’t see him as much.”

There is a 24-point gap between Fiorentina in fourth and Roma in second, but is that a misleading statistic?

“I believe the table reflects the real value of the teams. Roma are having a great campaign and, all things considered, so are Fiorentina. We suffered a few too many defeats, but this is football.”

Montella was asked about today’s reports Milan have made an approach to take him to San Siro next term.

“I will talk to the club about strategy for next year after the Coppa Italia Final. As far as I am concerned, there is absolutely no chance I won’t be the Fiorentina Coach next season, unless the club decides to kick me out.”

Clarence Seedorf has his sights on Europe after a fifth straight Milan win, but said anyone interested in his future should “ask the club.”

The Rossoneri swept Livorno aside 3-0 at San Siro to catch Parma in joint sixth place and for the first time since December 2011 have won five Serie A rounds on the trot.

“We are in a position that boosts confidence, as we are closer to the top teams and the final few rounds will be decisive,” Coach Seedorf told Sky Sport Italia.

“The side really put in a great performance and had the right approach to this game. We are targeting the Europa League, so first we have Roma and then Inter.

“We had the utmost respect for Livorno today and will do the same at Roma next week.”

Mario Balotelli was on target, but Livorno felt he had pushed his marker to get the necessary space.

“You can stir up controversy if you want, there’s no point saying if it was a foul or not. I want to talk only about the good performance.

“Balotelli is maturing psychologically and this allows him to do better both on and off the field. I hope he continues along this path.”The last few days have seen speculation over Seedorf’s future with reports Pippo Inzaghi or Fiorentina’s Vincenzo Montella will take over next season.

“I don’t know, you’d have to talk to the club. I can’t speak for others,” shrugged the Dutchman.

“I am focused on bringing home as many points as possible, that is what was asked of me, and try to prepare for next season. Am I perplexed on the club’s failure to make my position clear? You’d have to ask the club that.”

Milan swept sorry Livorno aside 3-0 for a fifth straight victory and Mario Balotelli set a new personal best.

Clarence Seedorf remains under pressure despite a series of four consecutive wins that put them back in contention for a Europa League spot. The Rossoneri hosted struggling Livorno, who went into the Easter weekend third from bottom. Keisuke Honda, Valter Birsa, Michael Essien, Stephan El Shaarawy and Bryan Cristante missed out, so Robinho and Ignazio Abate got a rare start. The Amaranto were without Ibrahima Mbaye, Andrea Luci, Ceccherini, Giuseppe Gemiti and the suspended Marco Biagianti.

Mario Balotelli had a muscular problem in the warm-up, but still took his place in the starting XI at San Siro.

Adel Taarabt had an audacious long-range strike that whistled over the crossbar after Leandro Rinaudo blocked a Ricky Kaka effort in the box.

Adil Rami thought he had scored his fourth Serie A goal of the season, but the looping header only bounced off the crossbar from Riccardo Montolivo’s free kick and Balotelli blasted the follow-up off target.

Piccini had penalty appeals for a Nigel De Jong sliding tackle, but the referee waved play on. Kaka’s curling finish from the left side of the box flashed across the face of goal and just past Balotelli’s outstretched foot at the back stick. Robinho’s finish was deflected on to the side-netting after a well-worked team move.

Livorno wanted a penalty on 34 minutes when Abate tripped Djamel Mesbah, but replays confirm the referee was right to award a free kick right on the edge of the box. Paulinho horribly wasted the opportunity by blasting over.

De Jong was booked and will be suspended for next week’s clash with Roma.

Balotelli broke the deadlock just before the break with a cushioned header on Kevin Constant’s cross from the left. Livorno complained that SuperMario had shoved Paolo Castellini in the back to get himself into space for that free header.

After the restart, Balotelli volleyed over a set play, but Taarabt scored his first goal at San Siro. He combined with Balotelli to dribble through the defence and swept his finish past Francesco Bardi from seven yards.

Robinho pulled back in the area for Kaka, but his shot was deflected over the bar. Giampaolo Pazzini came off the bench and wasted a golden opportunity, chipping Bardi on a long Abate pass.

Moments later Pazzo did get his name on the scoresheet, as Balotelli sent him clear on a through ball and he slipped the finish beneath the on-rushing goalkeeper.

Also today, Parma-Inter and Lazio-Torino see contenders for the Europa League spots face off against each other.

“It is an important game and we have to stay as close as possible to the sides ahead of us, seeing as they are taking each other on,” Tassotti told Milan Channel.

“This is a round when at least some of those teams will drop points, so we must take advantage of the situation, even if Livorno are gambling for their safety, so cannot be underestimated.”

Ignazio Abate and Robinho return to the starting XI after falling out of Coach Clarence Seedorf’s plans.

“They trained well,” continued assistant manager Tassotti. “We expect dynamism and attacking down the flank from Ignazio, while from Robinho we expect quality. He might not be as organised in that role as others, but he can make the difference.”

Clarence Seedorf may have taken Milan to four consecutive wins, but the club still reportedly hold the expectation of finishing in fifth place.

The Dutchman was only appointed in January and has a contract that runs through to June 2016, but difficulties in his opening couple of months have led to continued speculation over his future beyond the summer.

The Rossoneri are widely seen as having placed the demand of securing Europa League qualification on the 38-year-old and the Gazzetta dello Sport today make clear that this remains the case, in spite of the upturn in form.

Four consecutive wins has improved the mood at Milanello, but the pink paper allege that Seedorf has to guide the team to a fifth place finish in the League, or see his future fall into great doubt.

Whilst sixth place looks certain to be enough for a Europa League spot too, the Diavolo are understood to only harbour ambition of fifth or higher, for the automatic progression into the group stages that brings.

Milan are seen as reluctant to enter into the qualifying phase of the Europa League, which sixth place would force, as it would clash with the preseason tour of the US already set up. Currently Inter occupy fifth and lead the Rossoneri by five points.

Milan are reportedly interested in Granada-owned full-back Guilherme Siqueira and are considering including Alberto Paloschi in a proposed bid.

The attack-minded Brazilian is currently on loan at Benfica and the Portuguese giants do hold a purchase option to permanently sign the 27-year-old, for a fee believed to be €7m.

Whilst the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid have continued to be linked with Siqueira also, the Corriere dello Sport believe that Milan may enter into talks with the player’s parent club Granada and more specifically that this would likely be through Adriano Galliani meeting with the Spanish side’s owners, the Pozzo family.

It is understood that the Rossoneri are willing to include their 50 per cent share in in-form Alberto Paloschi in any negotiations, so as to reduce the financial outlay on any possible operation.

Milan did the bare minimum to beat Catania 1-0 with Riccardo Montolivo’s long-range strike for a fourth consecutive win.

The Rossoneri were coming off three straight victories and closing in on the Europa League spots, but missed Keisuke Honda, Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, Mattia De Sciglio and Stephan El Shaarawy. The Sicilians gave new Coach Maurizio Pellegrino his Serie A debut, having come up from the youth academy to replace Rolando Maran, who was sacked for the second time this season. Relegation seemed unavoidable and they were without Sergio Almiron, Giuseppe Bellusci and the suspended Gino Peruzzi.

Early on Adel Taarabt had an attempt and Pablo Barrientos flashed his shot across the face of goal, but Christian Abbiati was forced to fly in order to palm a Barrientos curler over the far top corner.

Ricky Kaka hit the side-netting, but Milan took the lead with Riccardo Montolivo. A short Balotelli free kick was rolled across to the midfielder, who unleashed a sudden snapshot from 25-30 metres that bounced right in front of Mariano Andujar into the near bottom corner. It was Montolivo’s third goal of the season, two of them past Catania.

Taarabt’s strike swerved off target and a Mario Balotelli free kick skimmed the near top corner. Taarabt flicked the ball around Nicolas Spolli only to see his shot charged down and as the move continued Balotelli’s effort was smothered.

Barrientos again threatened for the Elefantini, as Adil Rami blocked off the finish. After the restart, Daniele Bonera’s cross from the right whipped over the heads of both Poli and Balotelli, then Montolivo’s volley was off target.

Balotelli chipped up a free kick for Philippe Mexes, who had peeled off his marker for an acrobatic scissor-kick that sailed just over the bar.

Abbiati had to sprint off his line to nod the ball away from Lucas Castro, but the goalkeeper had to work much harder when flying to palm a trademark Francesco Lodi free kick out from under the crossbar.

Catania went down to 10 men, as Fabian Rinaudo – who was just returning from a ban – received a second yellow card for a late and high tackle on Mexes.

The Sicilians gave a run-out to Kingsley Boateng, a Milan youth product on loan from the Rossoneri. Taarabt aimed another impressive curler just over the far top corner, but has still not scored a goal at San Siro.

Balotelli also blasted inches off target from the edge of the box, but 10-man Catania also forced a dangerous corner in stoppages with Boateng.

Clarence Seedorf asked fans to help push Milan forward against Catania, but is without several stars.

The Rossoneri host bottom of the table Catania on Sunday evening at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

They are without Stephan El Shaarawy, Mattia De Sciglio, Marco Amelia, Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, Andrea Petagna and Keisuke Honda, who has a sprained ankle.

“The fans are intelligent and they must fire push the team even more psychologically. We cannot think of slowing down and instead want to increase our momentum,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“We have two home games, starting tomorrow with a Catania side that never gives up. It is important that our motivation is always stronger than that of our opponents.

“I am thinking of Andrea Poli and Walter Birsa to replace Honda, but there is also Robinho. Things will become clearer after today’s session,” continued Seedorf.

“I have a long way to go before I can define what my idea of football is, but I’m trying to get the best out of each individual player. From next season it will be different.”

Yet Milan might not even qualify for the Europa League if their current Serie A form doesn’t improve drastically.

“We must focus on giving our all, which means trying to win. We have six rounds left and want to win them all. It doesn’t just depend on us, so that’s all we can do.”

Mario Balotelli should be back in the starting XI after suffering from flu symptoms last week.

“He is showing continual improvement, both on and off the field. His behaviour towards referees is exemplary. That’s his job and we are only there to help.”

El Shaarawy was name in Cesare Prandelli’s list of 42 players going into Coverciano for fitness tests ahead of the World Cup call.

“I haven’t spoken to Prandelli. I don’t think El Shaarawy will play 45 minutes with the youth team today, as he doesn’t have it in his legs yet.”

Milan welcome Catania in a match where both teams arguably face their last chance to reach their respective objectives before the end of the season.

Clarence Seedorf’s Rossoneri sit in 10th place on 45 points, five points from Inter and Parma and need a victory to maintain their slim hope of qualifying for the Europa League next season. But if Milan win, you can cash out at Betfair.

Adel Taarabt and Keisuke Honda gave Milan a 2-1 win over Genoa which sees the Diavolo meet Catania on a three game winning streak and Seedorf is keen for his side to keep momentum going.

“We are closer to the Europa League positions,” Seedorf said to Gazzetta dello Sport. “That is the objective of the club and we will try to achieve it.

“But we cannot forget there are many teams fighting to finish in the top five and closer than us to that target. We just have to keep going and see what happens.”

Meanwhile, Catania are rooted to the bottom of the Serie A table with 20 points, four adrift of Sassuolo in 19th and seven away from safety.

The Elefanti need a miracle to survive, a feat made even more improbable by Week 32’s 2-1 loss to Torino where an Alexander Farnerud strike followed by Ciro Immobile’s 18th goal of the season to give the Sicilians their fifth straight loss.

The result saw Catania sack Rolando Maran as Coach for the second time this season, replacing him with former boss Maurizio Pellegrino, who previously coached the side between 2001 and 2003.

“It’s too early to give up and we have to give everything until the end of the campaign,” the Coach told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“We must close the season in the best way, and the club has asked me to do just that.

“On Sunday we’re going to San Siro to challenge Milan and as the Coach of Catania that is a source of pride for me.”

Can Catania and Milan achieve their ambitions this season? Week 33’s match-up should provide an answer.

Keep an eye on: Adel Taarabt (Milan) – The Moroccan forward scored a stunning goal for the Rossoneri in their game against Genoa in week 32 and is expected to start against Catania. The forward is still playing for a long-term contract at the club and another winning contribution wouldn’t be surprising.

Form Guide: Milan (L D W W W) Catania (L L L L L)

Last Season: Milan 4-2 Catania

Stat Fact: Catania have lost 14 of their last 16 away games in Serie A.

Cesare Prandelli has called on support of the Italian national team and Italian teams abroad to increase and improve.

With the World Cup on the horizon and Juventus set to compete tonight in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final against Lyon, the CT has urged that fans find their enthusiasm for the game and for those representing the peninsula.

“In the understanding of the fan we need to improve, we must all grow,” explained Prandelli to today’s edition of Tuttosport.

“The way we support needs to improve, we need to become more enlightened. I’d like that the Italians, all Italians, were closer to our national team and not only in the short period during a World Cup or European Championship.

“But, as a country, we need to progress from the point of view of rooting for the individual clubs. We Italians should always be on the side of any team involved in a European competition.

“Just because we are compatriots and are facing foreign teams. And this must come before any smaller focus.

“It would be nice that all Italians would support Juve against Lyon, with the hope that the Bianconeri can then conquer the Europa League.

“We must first be fans of teams abroad together, never separated. And of course I would say the same thing for any other team that was still in European competition, without any distinction.”

Clarence Seedorf practically confessed he’d be happy if Milan didn’t enter the Europa League, but “it’s a business strategy.”

The Coach spoke to Sky Sport Italia after a 2-1 victory at Marassi, their third on the bounce.

“I am certainly happy with the performance of the team, which was able to battle against a Genoa side that proved it had heart. Genoa really pushed hard, so to win here was a great result. Adel Taarabt had a good performance, but so did everyone.

“I am very happy for Keisuke Honda. It was an important moment, as he broke his duck and we scored in a particular moment of the game when Genoa were pushing very hard indeed.

“Choosing the first pass when we get the ball back is an aspect we have discussed regularly, including at half-time this evening. The idea is to move the opponents around by spreading it left to right and not just vertical passes.

“We have to improve on how we read the game, above all the midfielders when they start the moves.”

Milan are out of the running for the Champions League and in joint 10th place with Torino, but could still snatch a top six finish. Click here for the Serie A table.

“The Europa League is closer, but there are many teams fighting for those positions and closer to the target, so we’ll keep going and see what happens.”

However, when Seedorf was asked whether it was really worth the bother to enter the Europa League and start training a month early, he confessed this wasn’t a football issue.

“We must be very practical and pragmatic here. The club has set an objective and we will all try to achieve it. At the end of the season, whether we achieve it or not, we will prepare for the new season.

“There is a commercial aspect that goes beyond what is on the field and Mr Galliani was very clear on that. It is a business strategy, so you’d be better off asking Galliani!”

“We had to change a huge amount since I arrived, for one reason or another. We’ve rediscovered Philippe Mexes, who is growing game by game, and Christian Abbiati was again decisive. We need to bring more consistency to our defence.

“I am interested to reach the end of the season with as many points as possible. This is not a situation worthy of Milan, so we’ll continue working to improve and keep our feet on the ground.”

Keisuke Honda’s debut Serie A goal gave Milan a 2-1 win in Genoa, though they were under siege for much of the game.

Alberto Gilardino hosted his former teammate Clarence Seedorf’s Milan, as the giants were looking increasingly unlikely to qualify for Europe. Mario Balotelli was benched after suffering from a cold, so ex-Sampdoria striker Giampaolo Pazzini started, while Riccardo Montolivo returned. Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari, Mattia De Sciglio and Stephan El Shaarawy were injured.

The rare Monday evening kick-off was marked by a fireworks display in the stadium just before kick-off.

Gilardino ran between the centre-backs on to a long ball over the top and forced a corner off Adil Rami, but from that set play the Giuseppe Sculli half-volley was wayward.

Milan took the lead with their first real chance. Adel Taarabt gathered in midfield, surged towards a surprised Genoa defence and cut inside to unleash an angled drive that flew past Mattia Perin into the far bottom corner. It was the QPR-owned forward’s third Serie A goal and Milan’s 16th from outside the penalty area.

Stefano Sturaro pulled a shot off target from the edge of the box and Fetfatzidis saw his strike charged down, as the game continued at a frenetic pace.

Andrea Bertolacci flashed a dangerous finish across Christian Abbiati and just past the far post, then Rami dived in to deflect Marco Motta’s attempt wide, even though the former Juventus wing-back was offside.

The Grifone were pinning Milan back towards half-time and Bertolacci had another shot deflected off target. Philippe Mexes risked a spectacular own goal when heading inches past the near post to intercept a cross.

Abbiati smothered a Giovanni Marchese snapshot from distance and the second half started in a similar vein, as the goalkeeper beat away a powerful Fetfatzidis strike.

Sturaro curled in a free kick for Sebastian De Maio’s header inches over with Abbiati rooted to the spot.

However, Genoa were punished with a classic counter-attack. Keisuke Honda ran on to a through ball in midfield and skipped past a defender to sprint forward, keeping his cool to chip the on-rushing Perin. It was the Japanese international’s debut Serie A goal.

Genoa continued to push and Motta fired straight at Abbiati from a Gilardino assist. They did get back into the game in bizarre circumstances, as a corner found Motta for a fierce half-volley that bounced off the underside of the bar and in off the back of Abbiati’s leg.

Moments later it was almost 2-2, as Abbiati flew for a magnificent save on Sturaro’s powerful strike, then the move continued and Mexes performed a goalline clearance on Motta’s free header.

Taarabt had penalty appeals for a handling offence, but the referee waved play on. Mexes bravely blocked a Gilardino drive in the box, as the siege continued at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, but Milan held on for a third consecutive victory - something they had not yet achieved this season.

Clarence Seedorf warned Milan that Monday’s trip to Genoa “is the most important game” of their season.

There are only seven rounds left in Serie A and the Rossoneri step into Marassi tomorrow at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).

“The team is improving and trying to push harder,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“Milan are not accustomed to being in these positions, but seeing the situation there is an improvement.

“This is the most difficult game of the next seven and that’s how we tried to prepare for this match. The pressure is always the same, but with daily work and concentration we have been focused, especially with no midweek commitments.

“Genoa are the same side that made life extremely difficult for Juventus, so we’re expecting that performance and not the one that saw them lose to Verona last week. This is a very important tie.

“There are many teams fighting for places in Europe and we are not racing against anyone in particular. We just have to pick up as many points as possible and take it one game at a time.”

Seedorf replaced Massimiliano Allegri in January, but confessed he hasn’t been able to implement his ideas fully yet.

“The system hasn’t changed much since I arrived. Time has passed and the players got to know each other better. I am happy that now we are creating more chances, scoring more goals and starting to see a solid team.”

Riccardo Montolivo, Bryan Cristante and Ignazio Abate are available again after an injury lay-off.

“Montolivo will start with Nigel De Jong. Andrea Poli is an important player and it is possible Cristante will feature, but not from the start,” continued Seedorf.

Ricky Kaka has a clause in his contract allowing him to walk away if Milan don’t qualify for the Champions League, but will he activate it?

“He knows what the fans, the club and I think. We have great respect for him and await his word at the end of the season. Right now he wants to focus on the remaining seven games and then we’ll see.”

This week Keisuke Honda confessed he preferred to play in the middle, but is learning to adapt on the right.

“He is doing well in that position and it was just a matter of time. He’s bringing balance in the two phases, attack and defence, provided a good assist for Kaka and I think he can do better and better there.

“Honda starts from the right, but then the quality players have a way of finding each other on the field. There has to be a starting position for when the team is defending.”

Gian Piero Gasperini warned “these are two different teams now” as Genoa face a revamped Milan on Monday.

“At San Siro earlier this season we earned a valuable point in difficult circumstances, down to 10 men for much of it, but these are two different teams now,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“Milan have rediscovered their pace and have players in attack who can hurt you. The quality of the squad is not reflected in their position in the table.

“Clarence Seedorf was an idol when he played, as he was a fantastic player and a very likeable man. Even if he jumped a few steps to the big time, as a Coach he is making Milan play attacking football.

“I am not a fan of playing on Mondays, as we have to wait for such a long time and in the meanwhile already know the other results.”

Genoa are without Francelino Matuzalem, Sime Vrsaljko and Juraj Kucka, while Luca Antonini needs a late fitness test.

“I think Genoa ought to be given credit for climbing up the table and getting out of the dangerous areas of the table. Against Milan we need both legs and the right psychological approach.”

This will be Gasperini’s 150th Serie A game on the Genoa bench.

“It represents a great achievement and I thank the President and the club. It would be wonderful to celebrate it with a good result and a passionate atmosphere.”

Adel Taarabt gave a surprisingly honest interview on Milan, Clarence Seedorf, why he didn’t shine in England and going AWOL from Morocco.

The Moroccan international is on loan from QPR, though there are reports a €4m deal has already been struck to make the move permanent.

“I haven’t heard that,” he told Tuttosport. “If we qualify for the Europa League preliminary rounds, then I might only sign on August 31, so at least I can keep my summer vacation!

“Obviously the Champions League is something else, but the Europa League is still a prestigious tournament. Next year Manchester United could be in it.”

Taarabt never quite showed what he could do in the Premier League, but reveals he was every bit as unimpressed with the game in England.

“When you are in London, if you play well and do one stupid thing, only the latter is of any interest. Mario Balotelli knows all too well what happens in England.

“In Italy, instead, if you do a stupid thing and play really well, then you are still an idol. Is that why I made my mark here? Let’s just say that nobody watches Fulham games, whereas Milan’s matches go all over the world.

“It’s also true that here every time I go outside, someone immediately warns Adriano Galliani. I cannot take a step without him knowing what I’ve been up to. I will be a good boy until Milan sign the contracts, then we’ll see! But don’t write that down!”

Taarabt was asked about his most famous incident, when he got on a bus after his substitution for QPR and went to the pub.

“Everyone knows that one, so I’ll tell you a different incident. Once in a training retreat with Morocco I learned from the tactical meeting that I wasn’t going to play. So I waited for the team to start training, called the Fulham secretary and got them to book me a ticket from Marrakech to Marseille.

“I escaped for two days in France and they were looking for me all over Morocco!”

Yet Taarabt has been accepting of the bench under Seedorf at San Siro, despite scoring on his Serie A debut.

“Seedorf took me aside and explained he wanted to keep me out to protect me, to avoid me getting caught up in the protests against the team.

“I get on well with the Coach and not just because he immediately gave me the chance to prove myself. He was a great champion and gives a constant stream of advice. He keeps telling me I have great talent, but not the concentration to match.

“He also tells me to play it simple, not to just try dribbling past players, and to combine more with my teammates.”

Keisuke Honda assures he is not affected by criticism, but is progressing at Milan despite “different philosophies” with Clarence Seedorf.

The Japan international spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport in a wide-ranging interview on his Serie A experience since arriving from CSKA Moscow on a free transfer in January.

“Criticism doesn’t please me, of course, but you are all free to write what you want. I feel that soon my first Serie A goal will arrive and it is going to be an important moment.

“I am very determined. I came here in order to become a champion with Milan. It’s a long road, but there is a great project here and the Japanese are patient people.”

Honda has been dropped occasionally by Coach Seedorf, who said he still needs to get to grips with his tactics.

“I often speak to Seedorf, as his English is excellent, so it is easy to understand each other. Above all at the beginning I didn’t understand a lot of things, so I went to his room to get into more detail.

“At the start I didn’t feel at ease on the right, but Kaka is already in the centre and he’s playing well, so I need to find my space.

“Things are going a little better compared to the first few games. Of course the centre is my home, as I love to play behind the striker, but Seedorf said I have the qualities to play on the right and players do need to adapt at times.

“We have different philosophies, but the important thing is to have a dialogue. We talk every day.”

Honda brushed off suggestions he felt there wasn’t enough enthusiasm from the fans around his arrival.

“I wasn’t the Number One in Japan or Moscow either. Football is a team sport. I like pressure and big expectations. That is my personality.

“I didn’t expect the fans to have patience: I chose the Number 10 jersey and was given a big presentation. I know people expect a lot from me, but I have faith in myself and criticism never gets me down.

“I cannot judge the atmosphere at San Siro, but I hope that if we play better then more people will come. Playing beautiful football and calling the fans to the stadium are among my ambitions.

“As for the results, none of us are satisfied, but we are working to improve constantly. I knew that I’d run into difficulties at Milan, but I chose this club because I had always dreamed of being here.”

Barbara Berlusconi’s talks with Fly Emirates next week may reportedly lead to discussions over a €250m investment for a 30 per cent share in Milan.

The director is flying out to the United Arab Emirates next week with other Rossonero officials to lead discussions on renewing the club’s shirt sponsorship deal with Fly Emirates, which currently pays €12m a year and runs out at the end of next season.

On from reports that the trip will also be used by Silvio Berlusconi’s daughter to seek potential investment in the club, the Gazzetta dello Sport today run the line that talks will first begin on this scenario with Fly Emirates.

It is believed that the Diavolo are ready to sell up to 30 per cent shareholding, in exchange for a cash injection of €250m, which would contribute predominantly to the club’s planned construction of a new stadium.

Both players arrived on loan in January, the defender from Valencia and the Moroccan creative midfielder from QPR.

“We will talk about it in May, when the terms of the loans expire,” the Rossoneri CEO told Tuttomercatoweb.

“The fees have already been set.”

This week the FIFA agent who helped broker the deal said Milan would pay no more than €4m to buy Taarabt from QPR on a permanent basis.

Galliani also discussed other issues around the Rossoneri camp and warned against excessive criticism.

“A club must be measured over more than just a month. Over the last 15 years Milan always qualified for Europe and 13 times that was the Champions League. Even if we won’t play next season, we went further in this campaign than the other Italians.

“The team appears to be growing in physical and technical terms. I see great improvements and I hope they can be translated into results.”

Ricky Kaka has a clause allowing him to leave Milan in May if they fail to qualify for the Champions League, but hasn’t decided whether to activate it or not.

“There is no news. He has a contract that is well known and there’s nothing new to report.”

The Corriere della Sera speculate that parties from Russia and the United Arab Emirates could be interested in investing in Milan.

Director Barbara Berlusconi conceded yesterday that the Rossoneri are looking for investment from such countries, as well as Asia, to help fund the club’s plans for the future, which include development of a new stadium.

On from stating that between 20 and 30 per cent shares would be given up in exchange, the Corriere della Sera suggest bids are most likely to come from Russia and the UAE.

It is alleged that Berlusconi’s trip out to the UAE next week to discuss the renewal of Fly Emirates’ sponsorship could also include initiating talks with potential new investors.

Meanwhile, it is also believed that club President Silvio Berlusconi will use his political connections to look to Russia for possible money, with natural gas giants Gazprom rumoured as likely to be interested in investment, for their other involvements in the game as Zenit St Petersburg’s owners and as sponsors to the Champions League, Chelsea and Schalke.

Adel Taarabt is set to stay at Milan, but reports claim that Ignazio Abate could well leave the club over the summer.

Tuttosport follow quotes from the Morocco international’s agent yesterday, insisting that the Rossoneri have completed a deal with Queens Park Ranger to keep the playmaker beyond his initial loan deal.

The paper believes that the deal could rise to €5m, as the Rossoneri look to re-establish themselves as a top Serie A side after this season’s slip down the table.

The trequartista is set to come in for next term, but Abate looks likely to leave the club, it has been reported in La Repubblica.

The defender is being courted by Lazio, who are in need of a right-back, and see the Italy international as an ideal signing.

The 27-year-old has fallen behind Mattia De Sciglio in the pecking order at Milan, and is said to be keen on a move.

Milan and QPR have already agreed a €4m deal to make Adel Taarabt’s move permanent, said the agent who brokered it.

The Morocco international arrived on loan in January and has impressed with two goals in seven Serie A appearances.

“Milan will take up their option and there is already a deal between the two clubs to sign him at the end of the season for a reasonable, symbolic price,” FIFA agent and intermediary Vincenzo Morabito told fantagazzetta.com.

“It won’t be any more than €3m or €4m... It would mean something extraordinary if that didn’t happen.”

That is worth between £2.5m and £3.3m for QPR.

It had been reported the buy-out option for the 24-year-old would be worth closer to €7m, but that does not appear to be the case.

“I am absolutely satisfied with his performances so far, but then I had no doubts. Adel has settled straight in at Milan and is showing what he can do. He is one of the few positives in the Rossoneri’s campaign.”

It is reported that Ricky Kaka will not activate a clause this summer in his Milan contract, which would otherwise allow him to leave.

The Brazilian recently opened speculation on his future by commenting that he would talk to director Adriano Galliani at the end of the season, whilst rumoured offers from the MLS were ‘tempting’.

Galliani then confirmed at the weekend that the 31-year-old does have a clause in his contract that allows him to leave in the summer, if the club do not qualify for the Champions League.

With that mathematically confirmed with Week 31’s results, rumours have been that Orlando City already have a verbal agreement with the Brazilian playmaker.

However, Sky Sport 24 report today their belief that Kaka is not intending to exercise his release clause. They are running the line that the player has the intention to continue on with the Rossoneri for the time being.

Tuttosport, however, report that the matter is not so clear-cut, and that aspects such as the wage drop of 20 per cent due for the playing squad for failure to make the Champions League, has Kaka considering his future and a possible move out to the US for January 2015.

Riccardo Montolivo says Milan are ‘on the right track’ to target the Europa League, whilst he reflects on what has changed recently at the club.

The midfielder attended a promotional event on Tuesday morning and fielded a number of questions from reporters, starting with his recovery from a recent knock sustained, which has kept him out of recent fixtures.

“I’m better, it took some time to absorb the blow but I hope to return to the group this week,” began Montolivo, before turning his attention to Milan’s recent improved form.

“We have picked up some points in very complicated games such as those in Rome and Florence. We have to now continue like this, because we are on the right track.

“We are aiming for the Europa League, we need to give continuity to the latest results. The club’s goal is clear and we will try for it in the next seven games. Milan have to play in Europe.

“What has changed after the Parma defeat? Even in games lost the team has shown a great desire to do well.

“We have improved in every respect, now we also have the continuity. But we cannot stop here.”

It was put to the Italy international that no European football next year could see the team lose some of their bigger names in the summer.

“Assessments will be made at the end of the season. We would hate to lose important players, even if I know that everyone wants to stay.

“But now we must think only of our goal. We will try to get into the Europa League to give them one more reason to stay.”

The midfielder was asked where his ideal position in the team is and the relationship with Coach Clarence Seedorf.

“For our part, there has never been anything controversial. When the results have not been there, it was natural for talk to come from the outside. But we have remained together. Without a united ship, we would have risked sinking. We have come out.

“Are we a more balanced team now? On paper, the system hasn’t changed. My ideal position is in a midfield three but with Seedorf I have always played in a midfield two.

“In recent games the attitude of the squad has changed, the attacking players’ attitude has changed and this gives us more balance.”

Mario Balotelli has come in for recent criticism, but responded with goals in consecutive matches.

“Balotelli has great quality, he is an exceptional player. He does not always succeed, but when he does, he brings that leap in quality both for Milan and the national team.”

Montolivo was talking at an event for a food company that he has shot a short television commercial for.

“I enjoyed doing the commercials, it took half a day of practicing. Also the director was good. It was a good experience. The spots were not natural, but not forced.”